A time to grow: Pilgrim Rest's new pastor eyes church's expansion

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church's congregation often exceeds the sanctuary's 225 seating capacity, according to church officials, who are planning an expansion. "It is absolutely crammed, packed in here on Sundays," new head pastor Geoff Prows said. "We actually had several people standing in the back (at a recent church service)."

"I don't want to take anything from what they have already done here ... (but) I want to add to it," he said, referring to annual events that attract people outside the congregation. Nearly 700 people registered for the church's Easter Egg Drop last year, and some 2,000 showed for October's Trunk or Treat, church officials said.

In addition to working with area churches and ministering to residents in spiritual need, Prows plans to schedule a drive-in family movie night and organize a community-involved football game.

Darren Williams, the fulltime associate pastor who oversees the children's ministry, said Prows is a good fit for the church and the community.

"He brings energy and excitement," Williams said. "I think outreach is going to be a huge asset for him in this community."